In 2007, ten years ago, I picked up a young adult novel titled, 13 Reasons Why, and little did I know, it would have an everlasting impact on my life. We're all told, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" or at least some saying along those lines. However, if you've experienced any part of the real world you'll learn this isn't true. Unfortunately, individuals today are the most savage and ruthless individuals when it comes to other people's feelings. Recently Netflix released a series titled 13 Reasons Why, based on the book, which was also produced by singer and actress, Selena Gomez, who has opened up about issues surrounding her own mental health.
Let me tell you something, this series should be watched by every single teenager, and here's 13 reasons why you should.
1. The life lessons.
The whole series is built off of life lessons. You see how your words and actions impact others, even if it's taken out of context.
2. It touches on real issues.
The series focuses on a lot of issues that are really uncomfortable for many individuals to speak about such as, bullying and suicide, just to name a few. Especially in high school, I know from my own experience, how damaging rumors and lies are, and how they can easily destroy you until you feel so small.
3. It shows you how to be aware of underlying issues.
On the surface someone may appear okay, but something could be extremely wrong, and it is important to look for any indication of suffering mentally, emotionally, and physically.
4. You don't know someone's life.
You never know what someone is truly going through. Don't be so quick to judge. Any of this could happen to you, or someone you love.
5. It depicts how corrupt and numb social media has made us.
We hide behind technology, where it is easier for us to hurt someone when we can't see them. We hide behind our phones and computers where we can do the most damage.
6. Rumors hurt.
I know this first hand. My first recommendation would be not to believe everything you hear, and my second would be not to spread what you hear. Rumors can destroy you.
7. It may be graphic, but it's real.
These things happen. The abuse, the trauma, and the graphic scenes are things that really happen. Certain scenes are extremely triggering and have warnings before you watch certain episodes, please use caution.
8. No means no- if a boy or girl is too intoxicated to say no- it still means NO.
Rape and sexual assault happen all to often. If an individual isn't a consenting adult, that doesn't mean you force yourself on them. No means no, silence means no, and refusal means no. If someone isn't physically capable of saying no because they're intoxicated or disoriented, guess what, it still means no.
9. Be accepting.
Be accepting of people no matter their background, race, or sexual orientation. You don't know the demons someone is suffering from.
10. Be consciously aware of what you say.
Even little things may be misunderstood as something extremely hurtful and damaging. Think before you speak. Something that you think is little, could mean something so much more to someone else.
11. Your actions affect the actions of others.
Remember Sheri's choice to not call 911 about the stop sign? Remember Jeff and what happened, which wasn't his fault. Your choices, every choice, has extremely big consequences, no matter what you believe.
12. There is good in the world.
People like Tony show you that there is good in the world. There are people who care, and there are people who mean good, like Clay. Not everyone is consciously aware of other's suffering, unfortunately.
13. There is help.
At the end of the series, the cast comes together to discuss the seriousness of these issues and that there is help if you need it. There are ways to prevent suicide, and there are ways to be aware of the signs.
There is this website, that links you up to prevention hotlines. Please remember there are people who care, there are reasons to live, and there is always someone who will listen. You're strong, you have so much to live for, you do have a future. Please reach out if you need it. To everyone who is hurting out there, to everyone who has been bullied, and to those who are thinking of hurting themselves, you are loved, please believe that, because even if I don't know you, I love you. To all those who are being bullied, and all those who are the reasons someone else are suffering, I hope you never have to experience what you're putting others through.
